As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to paint the landscape and the air turns crisp, our taste buds yearn for flavors that evoke the cozy essence of the season. From warm sweaters to pumpkin-spiced delights, fall brings a sense of warmth and comfort. What better way to enhance this seasonal experience than with a cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of fall? I currently bartend at Amore by Wegmans and enjoy experimenting with new cocktails as the seasons change, and I’m always on the lookout for innovative ways to showcase the flavors of each season. Allow me to introduce you to a seasonal must-try drink that puts a delightful twist on the classic Old Fashioned: the Harvest Old Fashioned. With its rich blend of bourbon, Turkish tobacco bitters, pure maple syrup, and delightful garnishes, this drink is a true embodiment of fall.
The foundation of this cocktail is Buffalo Trace bourbon, a choice that brings a rich and complex character to the drink. This well-rounded bourbon serves as the canvas upon which the other flavors can flourish.
Next, I introduce Fee Brothers new Turkish tobacco bitters, which lend an intriguing depth to the cocktail. The rich flavor of sun-cured tobacco with notes of coffee, nutmeg, and cloves adds a touch of warmth and complexity that harmonize perfectly with the season and evoke images of crackling fires and cozy evenings. Its inclusion creates a flavor profile that sets the Harvest Old Fashioned apart from its classic counterpart and imparts an intriguing depth that embraces the spirit of the season.
To enhance the cocktail’s sweetness and evoke memories of autumn walks through maple groves, I incorporate pure maple syrup. Its velvety sweetness brings a touch of nostalgia, conjuring images of maple-scented breezes and golden leaves dancing in the wind. This natural sweetener adds a subtle richness and complements the bourbon beautifully.
The garnishes are the final flourish, elevating the Harvest Old Fashioned to a new level of sophistication. The Luxardo cherry adds a burst of sweetness, reminiscent of the harvest’s bounty. Meanwhile, the expressed orange peel releases a spray of citrus oils that brighten the drink, perfectly balancing its richness. Remember, the Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail, and you can adjust the proportions of pure maple syrup, bitters, and whiskey to suit your taste preferences. Some people might prefer rye whiskey or another bourbon. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
One of the joys of being a bartender is embracing the ever-changing seasons and reflecting them in the craft of mixology. The Harvest Old Fashioned is a testament to the beauty of seasonality, capturing the essence of fall with its amber color. By using flavors and ingredients that are abundant during this time of year, we create a drink that is not only delicious but also deeply connected to the changing world around us.
With its inviting blend of flavors, the Harvest Old Fashioned invites you to embark on a sensory journey through the autumnal landscape. Upon taking your first sip, you’ll be greeted by the smooth embrace of the Buffalo Trace bourbon, followed by the warming embrace of the Turkish Tobacco Bitters. As the drink unfolds, the maple syrup gently sweetens the palate, while the garnish of Luxardo cherry and orange peel provide a satisfying finish that lingers on the senses. The Harvest Old Fashioned is more than just a cocktail; it’s a sensory experience that encapsulates the essence of fall. Through the careful combination of ingredients, the artful balance of flavors, and a nod to the bountiful harvest, it transcends the ordinary and becomes a true celebration of the season. So, as the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, raise a glass of the Harvest Old Fashioned at home and let it transport you to the heart of autumn. Cheers to the joys of the season!
The Harvest Old Fashioned
For this sensational fall drink, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Buffalo Trace bourbon
- 4–6 dashes of Fee Brothers’ new Turkish Tobacco Bitters
- 1/2 ounce of pure maple syrup
- Orange peel
- Luxardo cherry
Instructions:
- Gather all the ingredients and the necessary bar tools, such as a mixing glass, a bar spoon, strainer, peeler, and a rocks glass.
- Begin by adding 2 ounces of Buffalo Trace bourbon into a mixing glass.
- Add 4–6 dashes of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters into the mixing glass with the bourbon.
- Measure 1/2 ounce of pure maple syrup and add it to the mixing glass as well.
- Add ice cubes to the mixing glass and stir using a bar spoon. Stir for about 30 seconds or until the drink is well chilled.
- Strain and pour into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Take the orange peel and hold it firmly between your fingers. Express the oils from the orange peel over the cocktail. This will release the aromatic flavors of the orange oils.
- Drop the expressed orange peel into the glass.
- Garnish your Harvest Old Fashioned by placing a Luxardo cherry on top of the drink.
